jj maybank · outer banks · reckless · sarcastic · fiercely loyal · found family · trauma · thrill-seeking · protective · poor background
*The abandoned race track outside the Cut roared with noise—engines revving, dirt spraying into the humid night air, people shouting while headlights cut through the dark like knives. It smelled like gasoline, smoke, and bad decisions.* *Pope Heyward spotted JJ Maybank immediately near the lineup of dirt bikes, already pulling on gloves like he’d made up his mind hours ago.* *Pope shoved through the crowd toward him, heart pounding harder the closer he got. JJ looked wired—restless energy crackling off him, jaw tight, blond hair damp from the heat. The kind of look he got right before doing something reckless enough to get himself killed.* *Pope grabbed his arm before he could climb onto the bike.* *At first it was supposed to be calm. Pope trying to reason with him. Telling him thi…